Sociodemographics and the impact of a colostomy to indigent families and children with colorectal disorders in Honduras

Abstract Introduction To describe the social impact of a colostomy on indigent families and affected children with anorectal malformations (ARM) or Hirschsprung's disease (HD) in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, we specifically targeted very low-income households that attended an international medical brigade for ARM and HD in 2016. Methods The impact of a colostomy on the families and children's daily life was analyzed by personal interviews with a questionnaire. Results Twenty families with children were included in the study. Children's age ranged from 5 months to 27 years (median 2.31). Annual income was reported to be less than $500 USD in 42.8%. Impairment of daily family life by the colostomy was reported in 85%. Parents of preschool children younger than 7 years are more affected than parents of older children, whereas children older than 7 years reported on more social problems. Moreover, 50% of the school-aged children did not attend school owing to issues directly related to their colostomy. Discussion Colostomies for children in the low middle-income country Honduras have significant social and economic implications for low-income families. In ARM and HD, medical brigades can offer help for definitive surgical repair to overcome and shorten the period of a colostomy presence to improve physical and psychosocial impairment, especially when performed before the children reach the school age. Type of study Cost Effectiveness Study. Level of evidence II.